If you own an iPhone, chances are you’ve been interrupted at least once by an unknown number promising “free prizes” or “urgent financial alerts.” These spam calls are more than just irritating—they can be relentless and disruptive. Luckily, Apple gives you a couple of straightforward ways to take control of your phone and cut down on these interruptions. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Silence Unknown Callers
One of the quickest ways to reduce spam is by using the Silence Unknown Callers feature. When this setting is enabled, calls from numbers not saved in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions are automatically sent to voicemail. You’ll still see them in your call log, but your phone won’t ring.
To activate it, head to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and switch the toggle on. This is especially helpful if most of your calls come from known contacts. However, keep in mind that if you’re expecting an important call from a delivery driver, a new job contact, or a service provider, their number might be silenced too.
Step 2: Block Specific Numbers
If there are repeat offenders—telemarketers, fake “support” numbers, or even someone you don’t want to hear from—you can block them directly. Open your Phone app > Recents tab, tap the “i” next to the number, and scroll down to Block this Caller. Once blocked, that number won’t be able to call, text, or FaceTime you.
This step is perfect for those persistent numbers that keep sneaking through despite broader filters. Over time, you’ll build a personal block list that ensures your phone only rings when you want it to.
Regain Control of Your iPhone
While no method is 100% foolproof, combining both steps makes a big difference. Silence Unknown Callers keeps most random spam at bay, while blocking specific numbers deals with the repeat intruders. With these tools in place, you can finally enjoy some peace, knowing that your iPhone is filtering out the noise and letting only the important calls through.
